Last week’s Newington College Literature Festival 2013 at Wyvern provided the opportunity for the boys to meet some of their favourite Australian authors and participate in writing and illustrating workshops, listen to storytellers and discover how and why some these best known authors became writers. From the first day’s parent session given by Michael Gerard Bauer on ‘Reading Rules! Building a Reading Culture at Home’ to the imaginative, colourful character parade on the final day, the Literature Festival engaged, challenged and delighted all those involved in the events they attended. Thank you to the students, parents, Mr Holden and the Wyvern staff and the P & F for their wonderful enthusiasm and continuing support for this unique event on the Newington College calendar.

For the remaining weeks in Term 1 we will continue to look at books written by Australian authors and will be participating in the nomination process for the Kids Own Australia Literature Awards (KOALA). These awards promote and encourage students to enjoy and appreciate Australian literature, whilst giving them a voice regarding the books they love to read. In Term 2 students will be able to vote on their favourite Australian book from a shortlist of ten books nominated by them and other students throughout New South Wales. There are four categories considered: Picture Book, Young Reader, Older Reader and a Year 7 to 9 section. Votes will be tallied by the KOALA organisation and winners will be announced in Term 3 at a special awards day. It is hoped that all boys will follow the criteria for nominating their favourite Australian book and complete a form by Friday April 5^th. Nomination forms are available in the Library.

For further information about KOALA and the awards process, please click on the link below.

http://www.koalansw.org.au/

Mrs Joanne Barnes
Librarian